CHI 97 Electronic Publications: Workshops
Cognitive and Software Solutions for Computer-related Anxiety
Judith Ramsay
The Center for People and Systems Interaction
South Bank University
London, England
E-mail: ramsayja@vax.sbu.ac.uk
Richard Jacques
Microsoft Corporation
Redmond, WA,
USA
E-mail: rjacques@microsoft.com
KEYWORDS
Human-computer interaction, computer-related anxiety, minority groups, coping techniques.
© 1997 Copyright on this material is held by the authors.
OVERVIEW
The goal of this workshop is to focus discussion on how to design inexpensive but effective techniques for the management of computer-related anxiety. These techniques may be geared either towards the design of software, or towards the design of training or stress-management techniques.
THEME
Despite important moves towards better user interface usability, greater user participation in the software development process, and a deeper understanding of the psychology of various types of user groups, there still exists a number of special needs or minority groups within the Chi user community. One of these is a section of the community that experiences extreme discomfort, stress and anxiety when interacting with computers. It is estimated to affect up to 30% of the U.S. workforce [1], causing substantial loss of revenue.
GOALS
- to discuss ways of designing inexpensive but effective techniques to alleviate computer-related anxiety;
- to identify important and relevant research on cognition and emotion and initiate discussion as to how research findings might be embodied in practical intervention techniques;
- to discuss how to design interfaces which reassure and placate;
- to ultimately narrow the gap between this minority user group and the rest of the Chi user community;
- to deliver a framework of options for both developers and trainers alike to assist them in designing interfaces for this particular type of user.
Timeliness and Relevance of the Workshop
As we move towards the millennium, the Chi community has become increasingly intent upon closing the gap between technologically poor and technologically privileged groups. This parallels moves towards developing the ordinary citizen interface in the U.S.[2], a trend which will probably soon arrive in Europe and an increasing awareness of the requirements of minority groups. Users who experience higher than normal levels of stress and anxiety are one such priority group with special requirements.
FORMAT
The focus of this workshop is on productive discussion, rather than on individual presentations.
Participants
Between five and ten participants are sought. The workshop is open to anyone who is:
a) researching cognition and emotion in human-computer interaction and is interested in a practical application of such research;
b) already involved in the design of applied intervention programs in this area;
c) interested in developing design guidelines for the design of user interfaces which cater for a special needs group.
Dissemination of results
The workshop organizer will collate and disseminate the results of the workshop for publication through a report in the SIGCHI Bulletin. Arrangements are also being made for the workshop outcome(s) to appear as a set of papers in a Special Edition of a journal.
REFERENCES
1. Logan, R. J. (1994) Behavioural and Emotional Usability. In M. Wiklund (ed) Usability in Practice Cambridge, Ma. Academic Press.
2. Anderson, R. H., Bikson, T. K., Law, S. A. and Mitchell, B. M. (1995) Universal Access to E-Mail: Feasibility and Societal Implications. Santa Monica: RAND (ISBN: 0-8330-2331-4).
CHI 97 Electronic Publications: Workshops
